statement to our members
September 22, 2020
We, the Seattle Chapter of the National Organization for Women, stand firmly with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the thousands who have taken to the streets to demand the dismantling of systemic and cultural racism.
To all members and supporters of the National Organization for Women: it is time that we get our own house in order. At this time of reckoning in this country, it would be negligent and harmful if we did not address the racism in our own organization. On August 17, 2020, after months of an organized effort by NOW members and leaders around the country, (including our own Pacific District Presidents) Toni Van Pelt announced her resignation from her role as National President of NOW.
The Seattle NOW Board was one of the 25+ chapters across our country who demanded her immediate resignation. We spoke during the #24for24 campaign spearheaded by California NOW - 24 days of livestreamed conversations with NOW leaders across the country calling for her resignation. We support the former Board of Directors of the Twin Cities chapter of NOW, who resigned in protest after weeks of inaction by Toni and her defenders.
Toni is out - now what? Such gross abuse of power is a symptom of larger patterns and behaviors that we, as an organization, must address. To start, we must recognize that toxic white feminism has afflicted women’s rights organizations from suffrage to this very moment.
The Board of the Seattle NOW chapter is making a promise to roll up our sleeves and get to work. We are committing ourselves to doing the internal and individual work of unlearning and undoing racist, colonial, and patriarchal structures. We are committed to the meaningful study of leading antiracist scholars, and as a group have been investing in antiracist training. Organizationally, we are dedicating our time and resources to amplifying the demands of Black leaders.
We will not remain silent about the racism plaguing our country. We will step back to make space for the voices who need to be heard most. We will seek leadership from the entire spectrum of diversity represented in womanhood. These actions are essential if our movement has any hope of meaningful change.
Seattle NOW Direct Action:
We are offering virtual events dedicated to further education and action on issues of racism.
We have added an Action Page to our website, where you can find petitions, educational resources, and ways to raise your voice.
We are also using our social media to share further resources and ways you can lend your support and voice to this movement for Black lives.
We hope you join us in our commitment towards addressing systemic racism.
In solidarity,
Seattle NOW Board of Directors
Kjersten Gmeiner, President
Amber Bearden, Vice President
Heather Loebe, Treasurer
Linda Tosti-Lane, Legislative Coordinator
Tiffany Wilk Chang, Secretary
Monica Chilton
France Giddings
Terri Lindeke
Chantele Machado
Diane Mikhlin
Alexander Snow
Lisa Weber
Thalia Syracopoulos, Board member emeritus